Amman: Two US service members were killed and another was reported missing in Jordan as hostilities with Iran intensified, marking the first combat fatalities for the US military since March. The Pentagon confirmed these incidents occurred during defensive operations against Iranian missile and drone attacks, which have threatened the already fragile ceasefire in the region.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on social media that the attacks took place on July 17. The statement detailed that the US forces, along with partner forces, were defending against Iranian aggression when the casualties occurred. Furthermore, four additional service members were injured and subsequently evacuated to Jordanian hospitals. Two have since been discharged, while others with minor injuries have returned to duty. The specific location of the attack within Jordan remains undisclosed, and the identities of the deceased are withheld pending family notification.
The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, located approximately 80 kilometers from Amman, is a primary site for US operations in Jordan. US forces also utilize the Prince Hassan Air Base and other military facilities in the country. Reports from The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, indicate that the attack took place at the Muwaffaq Salti base, a strategic site for launching air strikes against Iran.
US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences in a brief interview with NewsNation, describing the incident as "very sad," while US Defense Chief Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the fallen service members on social media, stating, "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
The recent fatalities contribute to a total of 16 known US service member deaths since the initiation of US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The majority of these have been combat-related, with previous incidents occurring in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the Arabian Sea.
In response to the escalating tensions, Iranian officials announced the suspension of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the US, citing violations by Washington. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei both confirmed the suspension, attributing it to recent US military actions. Iran has retaliated by targeting US allies in the Gulf region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, along with Jordan.
The MOU, initially aimed at brokering a permanent end to hostilities, included provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and gas transit route disrupted by Iranian actions. However, recent Iranian strikes on vessels and US counterattacks on Iranian infrastructure have reignited tensions.
A statement from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei criticized the US for violating the MOU, warning of severe consequences. Khamenei, who assumed leadership following his father's death in a US-Israeli air strike, has not been seen in public since February, raising concerns about his health and leadership.
The ongoing conflict and leadership uncertainties in Iran continue to challenge the region's stability, as global powers navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.